The phone said potential fraud so blocked number

Calling back or answering or talking on phone with them - MAKES THEM MONEY

Here’s how those patterns are actually used:

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1) Short ring → hang up (“Wangiri” style)
   •   The call is designed to make you curious so you call back
   •   When you return the call:
      •   It can route to a premium-rate number (high per-minute charges)
      •   Or play a recording that keeps you on the line to rack up fees
   •   Even if it’s not premium, it confirms your number is active and responsive

⸻

2) You answer → silence / hang up
   •   This is usually an auto-dialer test
   •   What they learn:
      •   Your number is valid
      •   You answer unknown calls
   •   Result:
      •   Your number gets put on “live leads” lists
      •   You get more scam calls later or your number is sold to other callers

⸻

3) You answer → delayed voice or recorded message
   •   The delay happens because:
      •   The system is trying to connect you to a real operator
      •   Or it switches to a pre-recorded script
   •   Then they may:
      •   Pretend to be research/surveys
      •   Ask simple questions first to build trust
      •   Gradually move toward personal info collection

⸻

4) “Survey” angle specifically
   •   Starts harmless:
      •   cost of living, opinions, etc.
   •   Then shifts into:
      •   age, income range, household details
   •   That data is used to:
      •   Target you for future scams
      •   Or sold as qualified leads

⸻

5) Missed call → callback scam variant
   •   You call back and hear:
      •   music, menu, or “please wait”
   •   Goal:
      •   Keep you on the line as long as possible
      •   Charge per minute or confirm your number is active

⸻

Key point

Even when no money is taken immediately, the call can still be part of a multi-step scam process:
   •   Step 1: verify your number
   •   Step 2: profile you
   •   Step 3: target you later with a more convincing scam

⸻

f*cking elephant washes

Caller: Scam

Scam call

Unsolicited call..no msg left. suspect spam scam

from melb vic,no message left,scam most likely blocked

(03) 7068 5839 tried calling. I Didn't answer. Reporting as a scam to warn others.

Rang once .Glad to see by the previous comments that this number seems to be some kind of scam so will be blocking this number.

Caller: (03) 7068 5839

I got called by this number 4times I answerd I heard whispers I felt like it was a ghost till they hung up I tried to call back nonresponse like such dogs who just call everyone

Just now had a call from this number, lucky i didn't received it as my phone showed suspected Spam caller.

Called back - number not in service - fraud

suspected Potential Fraud thanks to my phone blocking the call from ringing

Caller: They said they were from the "Australian Research Centre"

Automated voicemail claiming to be from the Australian Research Centre researching cost of living impact. Deleted voicemail, blocked as spam

Phone only rings once or twice, doesn't reach message bank. Obviously a scam/nuisance call. Have blocked and deleted.

No message left

Scam